My morning walk did not disappoint. These are the sunsets that I remember from my years of stays on the island. I didn’t dare turn away from the water’s edge, in case I might miss something!

But if you didn’t already know this, Isla Mujeres is washed with vibrant colour wherever you look.

And perhaps you know this too…I love vibrant colour, especially turquoise!

I had previously visited el meraki a year earlier. They had just opened their beautiful space. Even though I didn’t have a chance to sample their fare, good friends of mine raved about it! And then, I heard that they had to close for an extended period of time and had recently reopened.

I was really looking forward to meeting Andrea from el meraki. She had created an amazing space. A funny thing happened while we were checking out the sights.

We were up on the second floor with this view to the south.

All of a sudden, I heard someone calling my name. It was my brother who had just stepped out of his apartment, across the way! He was fetching something off of his balcony. What are the chances?

Our breakfast was absolutely delicious, right down to this glass of sparkling beet juice! If you are interested in knowing more, please check out my website: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-feature-el-meraki/

We walked home the long way so that Karen could order dresses from Hortencia’s. I was so energized by my great breakfast. that when I went home, I posted 3 restaurant features that day!

My reward for my hard work was a cocktail that I invented-brandy and mango juice over ice! My apartment didn’t have a balcony, just a walkway. But I am inclined to make the best of everything and still found a way to enjoy the space.

In all my visits to the island, I had never tasted Lobster Pizza but that night when we had dinner at Pizza Rock, I did! If you want to eat where the locals eat, check them out: https://foodmusings.ca/uncategorized/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-features-pizza-rock/

After dinner I was home in time to visit my neighbour friends for a nightcap. I started Anthony Bordain’s Kitchen Confidential that evening. Night night.

Kath’s quote: The definition of meraki:-“When you love doing something, anything, so much that you put something of yourself in it.”-author unknown

:Love never fails.

I awoke to another cloudy horizon but a beautiful walk along the malecon.

I got to see the beach as I went to meet Karen and in turn we met Sister Sue and Donna.

Our dear friends at Dulzura Argenta / Argentinian Bakery were trying their hand at breakfast. What a delicious deal! Here are all the details. https://foodmusings.ca/uncategorized/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-feature-dulzara-argentinian-bakery/

We were a couple of their first customers way back when and have grown our friendship across time and the miles. I love the outdoor and indoor spaces they have created with simple items and cherished things.

After breakfast, we went inside and chose some special treats. I selected one to go into the freezer for my husband D, who was arriving on the island soon.

I managed to get a 2nd walk in before dinner.

Tacos de Humo was our destination that night so I was able to head to Centro beach again.

Food and service were both fantastic, and here’s a glimpse of our free dessert. Check out all the deliciousness here: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-feature-tacos-de-humo/

Good night dear friends.

Kath’s quote: “After working out, I always eat doughnuts! Just Kidding. I don’t work out!” –unknown

Love never fails.

Morning!

I start the day with a walk to visit Hortencia and her family. Do you have a favourite local shop on the island? We have been visiting this one since 2006! Over the years we have witnessed Hortencia’s children become part of the business and seen her grandbabies having their afternoon naps in their hammocks strung from the rafters of the store. They have become our family, supporting each other through life’s joys and sorrows.

That day was a momentous one as I was meeting a newbie off the ferry. She was surprised that I would do so, but we meet everybody arriving off the ferry! That tradition is one of many we enjoy on the island.

We walk the short way down Medina to her Air BnB suite. I was really impressed by her last minute find. We had a quick snack at Jax, walked Hidalgo so Karen could get her bearings and then took her grocery shopping at Super Aki.

I also meet another cyber friend IRL. We have been Facebook friends for a couple of years and live about a half hour away from each other back home. We never would have connected were it not for our mutual love of the island. I love how this place creates friends out of strangers and deepens the bonds with family and old friends.

Before Karen and I meet for dinner, I walk Centro beach at sunset. I love this time of day.

We met up for dinner at Faynes with a special treat from from Adelitas, next door. OMGoodness I did not have high expectations of Faynes, but I was blown away. Check out all the details here. https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-feature-faynes-and-la-adelita/

I actually don’t remember what I did after supper, but I bet I went home to read….

Kath’s quote: “The kitchen is where we deal with the elements of the universe. It is where we come to understand our past and ourselves.” – Laura Esquivel

Love never fails.

When I reached the malecon that morning, I thought that the light was kind of eerie. My camera could not capture it.

The sun was about to rise upon another perfect day.

I attended Island Church with Sister Sue and friends Donna and Carol.

That afternoon I whiled away the time at Centro Beach with SIL Lorraine, Kelly and friends Kim, Brenda & Deenie. Lorraine and I had a lovely swim in the ocean. I had to head home to wash the salt off before dinner.

The day with family was so much fun that we agreed to reconvene for sunset and pizza that evening. The pizza was fabulous and very affordable. We ordered from Pomodorino’s just a short walk away. Read more about it here. https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-feature-il-pomodorino-isla-pizza/

A walk down Hidalgo & then a quick visit to Snappers to watch the Jets win in overtime. Then to my book.

Kath’s quote: “Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” – Leigh Hunt

Love never fails.

A quick morning walk as I had lots of writing to get to.

Even after almost 20 years of visiting, this quirky island always brings me joy. Like one set of neighbours who long ago made a balcony railing out of empty wine bottles.

Or other neighbours who fill their golf cart with plastic crates. They place the crates in their unoccupied parking spot while they are out running errands.

If you want a great vantage to see the diversity of Isla, sit in one of the municipal loncherias. On this day I was awaiting my friends Jan and Bruce who ended up treating me to lunch at the 4th loncheria. The food was great and the catch up visit was even better.

I ordered the pork chop so that I would get fries. You might find that silly but the fries were so good it was worth it and there was enough pork for a second meal!

The watermelon water was also delicious.

I was going to be joined by my dear friend Karen on the island soon, so I checked out her new digs just across from Centro beach.

I love staying in Centro where there is always a water view, just moments away.

I was drawn to Centro Beach again at sunset and then hopped a bus with Sister Sue to visit our Isla friend Criss Medina at her new restaurant in the former Sesso Locos.

We met her daughter Dani who is managing Riconcito Kahlo.

There was a wonderful trio playing and the ambience was so lovely. Our dinner was first class and you can read all about it here: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2024-restaurant-features-riconcito-kahlo/

Home early. Started reading Stanley Tucci’s fascinating book (with recipes!)

Kath’s quote: “Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven”.– John Lubbock

Love never fails